For the first time in about a decade, the IDF (Zahal) recently placed anti-personnel mines along the Israel-Syria border in the Golan Heights.

Combat engineering forces conducted the mine laying operation in an overt manner and during daylight hours. The mines were placed in the area between the security fence and the “Alpha” line that marks the Israel-Syria border.

On Nakba Day in May, demonstrators from Syria approached the security fence after crossing anti-tank embankments and canals and existing anti-personnel minefields. The mines did not work and the demonstrators breached the security fence and infiltrated into Israel.

A combat engineering officer said that the new mines are meant to strengthen the defenses along the border with Syria and prevent similar incidents to what happened in May from reoccurring in the future.